The best soccer players have different qualities. They mistake pain for love. They need a struggle to survive. Their greatest strength is between their ears.
The Cardinals are looking to overhaul their entire roster and build a football team with a specific type of contender. They are trying to bring together a group of people who cannot function without the sport of football.
It's both a great strategy and a difficult challenge. College players prepare and undergo specialized training for the upcoming interview process, from the NFL Combine to their individual pro days. They all profess an undying love for soccer. Many of them are lying.
Arizona's former general manager once said he missed the person more than the player. Current GM Monty Ossenfort took the opposite approach. He first finds players, players who display relentless passion on the field and total dedication between the lines. Then check to see if their answers match the tape.
Ossenfort was certainly active during the NFL's early free agency period and filled many needs on defense. He added two defensive tackles. Starting cornerback. And a two-way linebacker who can hit and cover. He did not spend excessively on famous names that were meant to be splashy and distracting. He assembled a group of young, hungry soccer players who showed up every weekend.
In Ossenfort's case, there is a statistic that clearly measures an athlete's love for soccer, and that is the number of games played. Because those who truly love soccer dream of performing 17 times a year. It's like a Purple Heart, a badge of honor, a special fraternity.
New acquisitions Justin Jones, Bilal Nichols and Mack Wilson haven't missed a game the last two seasons.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon has his own way of measuring his love for football. During a combine interview with Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, he staged the following conversation:
“Show me your techniques for coverage,” Gannon said.
“Excuse me?” the player answered.
“Yeah, I used to play receiver,” Gannon said. “Try jamming.”
“Coach, can I really hit you?'' the player said.
“Yeah, really hit me,” Ganon said.
That's impressive.
Ultimately, the Cardinals' 2024 playoff hopes depend on Kyler Murray and whether the reborn and rehabilitated quarterback can rediscover his MVP status. But the Cardinals' new regime deserves a lot of credit for its hardcore approach, with a bit of blind faith.
On their first try, they assembled a football team that won four games in December. They were underfunded and undermanned, and no one wanted to play because they never stopped fighting, hitting, and competing. Because they never stopped showing up. And what they say about his NFL is true.
The best ability is availability. Because it requires a true love for the game.
Contact Bickley at dbickley@arizonasports.com.Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Arizona Sports.
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